Following a challenge by Greenpeace over a patent for nerve cells from embryonic stem cells, the issue whether a stem cell process can be patented was brought to light. And with this ruling, a number of research facilities and scientist are concerned that the ruling would threaten the future of embryonic stem cell research. Companies in Europe would be less likely to invest in stem cell research they say.

Video: Debate on Stem Cell research:

But Greenpeace and other supporters argued it was unethical to patent cells from a human embryo. They say that they are not opposed to stem cell research itself but to "the idea that patents can be granted for scientific discoveries as opposed to inventions". The European Court also saw it that way and ruled in their favor.